The aluminum frame sticks out to raise the load up off your hips and on to your torso where weight is supposed to be. I use a 1606MC frame but push the frame in when tensioning the waistpad in order to create the same space. Its also why they break when piled in transport or stored with tension.
So, I recently swapped to this frame. I used the MOLLE II waist pad, which is nice and comfy-but doesnt work with an LBE/LBV. I will be going back to the old school ALICE hip belt, so that the pack can rest on the buttpack. Love the frame though. Definitely worth the $17 I paid for it :)
I tried to wear it with a Nixieworks LFR but it wouldn't work, granted the LFR has a massive buttpack that gets in the way of even an AWS assault pack. I generally don't like or use belt kit, but it works fine with a gun belt.
This is great, I have heard a lot of good things about medium Alice packs, is there any sites or companies you should stay away from when buying an Alice?
these frames were deigned to be worn over an IOTV with plates in them. In my experience, these things SUCK when you have to take them long distances. I like the idea of the medium ruck, but the frame makes it hard to wear long term, the waist belt makes it impossible to wear with a gun belt, and to fully maximize the pack you need to add sustainment pouches to the sides which will widen the profile but make the bag much more functional.
I'm currently trying this and having two issues: the tops of the u frame are inclined to pop through the top of the alice frame pocket and the bag bulges directly into my back when packed to capacity without the frame cross pieces. Have you experienced this?
